The pair went head-to-head in stunning full-length gowns at the launch, ahead of the BBC show’s return to screens on Saturday night.

And while Tess flashed some flesh in a daring cutaway black and white dress with a sweeping train, new judge Darcey added a splash of colour in a purple lace frock topped off with a black bow.

The ballerina also opted to team her dress with a big jewelled bracelet and earrings – although Tess kept her look simple.

The pair were joined on the red carpet by co-host Bruce Forsyth and fellow judges Len Goodman , Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli – as well as this year’s contestants and professionals.

Victoria Pendleton and Louis Smith showed off their Olympic medals as they posed on the red carpet (Picture: PA)

And there was no shortage of sequins on display, as Kimberley Walsh and Victoria Pendleton displayed their enviable figures in gold tasselled dresses – Pendleton also showing off her Olympic gold medals.

However not all the celebs favoured bright colours, with Nicky Byrne and Louis Smith among those wearing more monochromatic shades.

The professional dancers were awash in a sea of pink as the series prepared to get underway (Picture: Xposurephotos.com)

And pink was the colour of choice for the professionals, with the likes of Aliona Vilani, Flavia Cacace, Ola Jordan and newcomer Karen Hauer in an array of skimpy frocks – while Brendan Cole and Anton du Beke also favoured the colour.

The launch edition of the series – in which the celebrities learn which professional they will be partnered with – is on BBC One on Saturday at 6:30pm while the live heats begin on October 5.